Letters to the editor July 4

Nonprofits enhance the community

A healthy and strong community functions with the help of several supports; most commonly local, state and federal funding, and in our community, a robust collection of nonprofits that try to fill in the gaps in many ways. 

I would like to thank the Daily Inter Lake for printing the letter from Adam Jespersen, the executive director of the Montana Nonprofit Association. (Misleading rhetoric undermines nonprofit sector, June 25) He really hit the nail on the head. 

I have been involved with several nonprofits in our valley, as a volunteer, board member, and several times as an originating and founding board member. I have had the pleasure of watching nonprofits grow and succeed in myriad ways, adding to and enhancing the community we call home. 

Attacks from local and congressional lawmakers have been very discouraging, especially since the truth has been absent from their remarks. One would hope that our elected officials would hold themselves to the highest standard of truthfulness and transparency, but perhaps those days have passed. I hope not. 

Regardless, nonprofits in the Flathead Valley will continue to spread hope, dignity, security, acceptance and support to our neighbors in our community. This flows both ways, and it a wonderful and affirming thing to experience. I appreciate all the helpers in our community who have only been inspired and motivated by these unwarranted attacks. Onward and upward.

— Valeri McGarvey, Kalispell